'Rowing' is slowly becoming a thing of the past. What we're seeing is just the beginning.
In order for car cos. to maximize range (mpg) and minimize emissions, it's becoming increasingly important to turn over as many operating duties to the computers as possible. Add to this that it broadens the appeal in the marketplace for a respective car (which is why Porsche created the Sportmatic and Tip to begin with).
All the malarky about manliness, skill and control is just that. I'm sure there were many who clung to their start cranks when the electric starter came on the scene too, and lest we forget, there are still plenty of guys out there claiming that the only true Porsche is an aircooled one.
Power? Sure a torque converter parasitizes some power, so what? Charles and Jake are always saying power and torque curves (usable power) are more important than max power anyway, but we've yet to see any stats there. I've seen guys in Tip Boxsters and 911's spank the crap out of many on the track driving a manual. In fact, the 911 Turbo is quicker with a Tip than a manual (and this assumes a highly skilled driver doing the cog swapping).
The Tip is very well designed and produced, there are very few reported failures. And, over the life of the car, it's less maintenance intensive and less costly to own than the manual.
There's no wuss factor in driving a Tip, nor are there any man points to be had for driving a manual - anyone can be taught to do it! The best drivers in the world, F1 and Indy car drivers, now only push buttons in response to a light on their steering wheels. And that light is controlled by the computer making the driver the weak link in the chain.
There's nothing to lament, it's just evolution. Porsche knows this and that's why the 2012 911 is expected to do away with the manual altogether, relying on the PDK and a 7-step CVT (continuously variable transmission) as the only tranny options.
The Tip Boxster is a great car, and so's the manual. But it's not a contest, each has it's merits and it's weaknesses. To quote Stephen Stills: "Love the one you're with"!
